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Rhode Island Inno Approved: April tech & startup events to know about


Roger Williams Park, Providence
The bandshell at Roger Williams Park in Providence.
Getty Images / kickstand / Kenneth C. Zirkel

Because Rhode Island is a veritable hive of cool people doing cool things and hiring personal assistants is expensive, we at Rhode Island Inno have established a curated calendar of statewide goings-on we think readers will enjoy — alllll in one spot.

Look for new events listings every month, and don’t hesitate to let us know if there’s more (or less) of a type of event you’d like to hear more of.

And! Don’t forget to check out our Events Directory for even more Ocean State happenings.

Week One

Thursday, April 1

Stop Fooling Yourself: Your Professional Development Shouldn't Be A Joke: With all the things an entrepreneur is trying to do, it seems like a waste of time to spend it on reading articles, watching educational videos and talking with a coach. Choosing between learning something or trying to get another customer seems like a joke. At the end of this workshop, you will be able to articulate a professional growth plan that aligns your vision with your reality; crystalize professional roadblocks between you and your vision; and align your roadblocks with clear methodology to conquer them. Event begins online at 10:30 a.m. More information here.

Robots At Work: Companies in Rhode Island have embraced robotics, using them to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks alongside human operators. Hear from innovators across sectors and learn how bringing robots to work is making an impact on innovation. Event begins online at 11:30 a.m. More information here.

Thursday, April 8

MedTech Innovation: Join Ximedica and the New England Medical Innovation Forum every month as they explore innovations in medtech and related fields with the Medtech Innovation Forum and learn the skills, resources and tools needed to bring a new medtech Innovation to market. Event begins at 10:30 a.m. online. More information here

Providence Business Loan Fund Meeting: The City of Providence’s Planning & Development Department will discuss the Providence Business Loan Fund, which, in addition to its standard loan program, is offering emergency loans ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, payable over five to seven years with zero interest and no payments for six months to assist Providence businesses affected by COVID-19. To be eligible, you must have been in business for three years and must have employees. Event begins at noon at 444 Westminster St. More information here.

Week Two

Tuesday, April 13

Little States, Big Innovation: Israel x Rhode Island: Please join RIIC, District Hall Providence, and RIHub each month as they bring you the best Israel has to offer to Rhode Island’s innovation community. Each month you’ll be introduced to some of Israel’s most exciting entrepreneurs who are looking to expand to the U.S. and collaborate in business, academia, and research in Rhode Island. Don’t miss the opportunity to join these interactive sessions and connect with the ‘Startup Nation’s Best and Brightest.’ Event begins at noon online. More information here.

Wednesday, April 13 

Let's Talk Internet Marketing!: How is your existing marketing plan working for your business? Are you engaging new customers, gaining followers and converting prospects online? The event will talk about creating and distributing consistent and share-worthy content to attract and retain a clearly-defined audience — ultimately driving profitable customer action. Event begins at 12:30 p.m. at Brewed Awakenings Coffee House. More information here. 

Friday, April 16 

Rhode Island Covid Response Hackathon: Registration is now open for Covid-19 Response Innovation Hackathon hosted by NEMIC. A lack of preparedness exacerbated the challenges that Covid-19 presented regionally, nationally and globally. How do we ensure that we are better prepared for the next pandemic? What do we need to do on a personal level? How do we better prepare our corporations? And what could institutions and hospitals do better in the future? This hack will address these issues in hopes to create new ideas, products, systems, and services focused on the future, such that we do not repeat the past. Event begins online at noon. More information here.

How Brown Alumni Are Creating Sustainable Solutions In Fashion & Retail: Adam Vitarello, class of ‘05 and founder and president of Optoro, and Karla Gallardo, class of ’05 and co-founder of Cuyana, will talk about how to create sustainable business ideas and models in fashion and retail. Dawn King, senior lecturer in environment and society, will lead the discussion. Event begins at noon online. More information here

Week Three

Thursday, April 22

Even Entrepreneurs Retire: Even when you are pursuing your passion and running a business, it's important to have a plan for when you stop working. Join Jennifer Sahady, fellow entrepreneur and retirement expert, to help you navigate your options for retirement savings. Bring your questions and your stories to share. Event begins online at 10:30 a.m. More information here.

Friday, April 23

Poetry Showcase: Many have turned to poetry over the past year for both expression and consolation in the face of loss. What Cheer Writers Club celebrates this form in honor of National Poetry Month with a virtual showcase of Rhode Island poets reading their work. Event begins online at 5 p.m. More information here.

Saturday, April 24 

East Greenwich Electronics Recycling Day: Hosted by New England Tech, recycle electronics for free such as computers, laptops, monitors, routers, PDAs, cell phones, mice, keyboards, ink-jet printers, toner cartridges, CD/DVD players, radios, televisions, network equipment, wires, stereos, speakers, telephones, cameras, microwaves, small household appliances and acid lead batteries including auto/marine and battery back-ups. A $10 disposal fee is charged for each laser-jet printer, air conditioner, dehumidifier and other coolant containing devices. Event begins at 9 a.m. at New England Institute of Technology. More information here

Diverse Voices Of RI: Looking to share your perspective as a writer of color or as an advocate for diversity in a supportive environment with a zero tolerance for discrimination/prejudice? Join Diverse Voices of RI for writing workshops, live writing sessions and more. Events begin at 11 a.m. online. More information here

Week Four

Tuesday, April 27 

Chamber Café - Chat. Connect. Collaborate: Bring your own coffee and favorite breakfast treat and join the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce at the Zoom Chamber Café. Chamber Café is a virtual networking experience that creates connections and results in real business leads. Events begin at 8:30 a.m. More information here.

Thursday, April 29

2021 C-Suite Awards Program: Providence Business News’ 6th annual C-Suite Awards program recognizes top C-level executives from public, private, and non-profit companies who are innovators, trailblazers, role models and leaders in the community. Past winners include the region’s prominent C-Level executives who were recognized for their outstanding achievements in business. Approximately 15 winners are recognized annually for this event including an overall C-Suite career achiever and C-Suite rising star. Event begins at 4 p.m. online. More information here.



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